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Technical colleges play an important role in training and upskilling the Hunter Region, providing avenues for the community to pursue apprenticeships and traineeships in various fields of study. Group training organisations like HVTC Pty Ltd (HVTC) serve as vital platforms for fostering talent and empowering individuals to contribute to the local workforce and help businesses prosper in the region. For several years, we’ve worked with HVTC as their print provider and recently fit-out their Rutherford training centre with new office furniture. To learn insights and new developments with HVTC, and what it was like working with our resident furniture expert Greg, we chatted to Jackie Bower, Procurement & Assets Team Leader.
For over 40 years, HVTC has supported over 30,000 people through skills training and employment pathways, partnering with a large number of employers across a diverse range of industries. Providing entry-level opportunities through apprenticeships and traineeships is important for school leavers and job seekers entering the workforce, and when local businesses support these trainees contribute to the growth of our skilled workforce and the aspirations of graduates.
While there are many areas of study on offer with HVTC, the uptake of courses can vary depending on industry demand. We asked Jackie for insight on any emerging study trends and why the demand has likely increased. According to Jackie, “an industry that is currently seeing an increased need for skilled workers is Information Technology (IT) and Cyber Security”. As more businesses seek to increase their security protocols and improve their own IT capabilities, the need for a skilled and dedicated person in this role is essential to protecting data against cyberthreats and providing in-house IT expertise.
“Many businesses are recognising the opportunity for entry-level IT roles within their organisations, with traineeships being the perfect opportunity for new employees to complete their studies while also gaining real world experience relevant to the organisation – something that many university students don’t have when they graduate”, reported Jackie.
An exciting new partnership was recently made between the organisation and the NSW Department of Education to offer an IT Traineeship Program, placing over 70 trainees across several NSW Government agencies. Jackie described this opportunity as helping students “kickstart their careers and gain industry experience to help expand their future career opportunities”.
HVTC’s first intake of IT trainees with the NSW Department of Education have recently completed their traineeships, with many transitioning into ongoing roles with their respective NSW Government agencies. A graduation is being held in April at the TAFE NSW Meadowbank Campus to celebrate the trainees’ completion and the success of the program to address the skills shortage of IT professionals across Australia.
Any business can invest in staff development or host an apprentice/trainee. Partnering with a training organisation such as HVTC can alleviate administrative burdens surrounding enrolment, payroll and more, while ensuring the best learning outcomes are achieved. Overall, this allows employers to focus on supporting their staff effectively. Jackie offered valuable advice to businesses interested in upskilling their staff or hosting apprentices/trainees, stating that “supporting apprentices and trainees, as well as providing opportunities for existing staff to upskill, is a worthwhile investment for businesses as it creates a pipeline of skilled workers for the company’s future”.
Following the recent growth of the Central Coast Community College (an RTO associated with HVTC), more classroom space was needed at the HVTC Rutherford site to create room for students. Having worked with Greg, Paul and Nigel from our furniture team, there was no hesitation in reaching out about new desks, tables and chairs, explaining that the “response customer service offers a seamless and accommodating experience for our company”, said Jackie. In particular, Greg is described to have “consistently exceeded expectations” and his “friendly and efficient communication” have made him extremely easy to deal with Jackie reported. For Jackie, working with Greg and Sharp Office for their office furniture “makes everything easier and seamless, with happy staff and trainers”.
Could now be the right time to refresh your workspace, training room or boardroom? Speak to Greg to learn how your business can benefit from a new furniture fit-out and the latest style trends. Reach out today at info@sharpoffice.com.au or via 4962 1313.
